No thanks.
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I note that the Genome sequencing of K12 was done by Nestle, not Otago University as was the case for M18.
Perhaps they wish to ensure it is completely safe before launching (or seriously considering the possibility of doing so) a product containing it?
Either way, at least Blis didn't have to pay the bill...
Why wasn't this an announcement on the NZX?! It's a significant milestone!
Scientists map genome for BLIS K12 probiotic
Europe-based scientists have mapped the genome of the probiotic BLIS K12 strain, finding no negative traits and supporting the safety of the strain.
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/...-K12-probiotic
I went back tonight to get some more (at $9 a litre, I probably shouldn't... but it's such a tasty way to get my K12 dose!). It looks like it's been selling well - by my estimate, the Blis stocks were 75%+ sold. The 'Nuts about chocolate' flavor was sold-out, so Bruce you'll have to go for Chocolate, Vanilla or Pineapple Chunk (which is the one I got tonight). There was one tub of Brandy Snap left too (that doesn't have K12 though). Not sure why it hasn't all been restocked - maybe they were just sent one consignment as a trial. Or maybe they have been re-stocking but it just keeps flying out the door (wishful thinking maybe). :)
New Italian research proves the benefit of BLIS K12 probiotic in Children
BLIS Technologies Ltd (NZX:BLT) announces the publication of an independent
research study into the effectiveness of BLIS K12 oral cavity probiotic for
preventing ear and throat infections in children. Published this month in
the International Journal of General Medicine, an Italian research team
demonstrated that they could prevent the reoccurrence of common childhood ear
and throat infections, such as otitis media (glue ear) and tonsillitis by
around 40% and 90% respectively. Conducted over 3 years, 82 children aged
between 4-5years with a history of recurrent ear and throat infection, were
recruited for this study to determine the effect of 90 days
of treatment with
either the BLIS K12 probiotic or a placebo. Researchers concluded
"Prophylactic administration of S. salivarius K12 [BLIS K12 probiotic] to
children with a history of recurrent oral streptococcal pathology reduced
episodes of streptococcal pharyngeal infections and/or tonsillitis as well as
episodes of acute otitis media."
Di Pierro, F., et al. (2012). Preliminary paediatric clinical evaluation of
the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in preventing recurrent
pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and recurrent
acute otitis media. International Journal of General Medicine, 5, 991-7.
doi:10.2147/IJGM.S38859
In commenting after the publication of this landmark Italian research study,
Dr Barry Richardson said, "We know that BLIS K12 probiotic, when taken on a
daily basis, is very effective at establishing itself inside the mouth and
throat. This is important because BLIS K12 has evolved a number of defense
mechanisms, which protects
it from other invading bacteria, such as those
known to cause tonsillitis etc; and by protecting itself from harmful
bacteria, BLIS K12 also protects us from harmful bacteria." Dr Richardson
described a recent example of a customer who had a specific condition, which
made them very susceptible to oral candidiasis (oral thrush) with recurrent
episodes every 4-6 weeks. At the direction of a pharmacist they started
taking one BLIS K12 lozenge a day back in June and to date, they have
remained symptom free.
Dr Richardson said that in a week where the New Zealand Government was urged
to address the causes of childhood poverty because of the increasing number
of children being hospitalised for poverty-related conditions such as
tonsillitis, BLIS Technologies is pleased to be associated with The Salvation
Army in New Zealand. "We have joined forces and are now giving away free BLIS
K12 lozenges to the children and their families in the lower South Island,
who The Salvation Army has determi
ned are in need of additional welfare and
likely to be at higher risk from tonsillitis. While we can't change the big
social issue of poverty; we can take practical steps to help alleviate
poverty related illnesses such as tonsillitis and rheumatic fever" Richardson
said.
The success of this product is also getting through to mainstream New Zealand
consumers. Market research data that tracks product sales throughout New
Zealand pharmacies, showed that while the cough and cold market contracted by
1% for the 12 months to September 2012, the BLIS "Throat Guard" range of BLIS
K12 probiotic lozenges actually grew a healthy 11.6% in unit sales over the
past year.
Those numbers are significant and not something we have seen before. 90% reduction in reoccurrence of tonsillitis! That is huge.
The other significance is that the research is independent. It has far more credibility that if it was to come from Blis.
Yes we do. This news, along with others will make it easier for Stratum to sell the ingredient to others. It isn't being left in the hands of New Zealand management.
Last time the pet research was discussed you were asking how much would it cost? And now you are saying it will be 400k. Where did you get that number from?
Ummm, this isn't being sent to consumers. I can't think why this will confuse anybody at the local chemist?
I don't think continuing research that could be commercialised is a terrible thing. Or would you prefer a one legged pony? If you are an investor why did you invest when Blis have made it clear for years they were continuing to do research in the hope that they could commercialise more than just K12. The first of those additional products (M18) has been rolled out over the past couple of years.
Last time this was discussed I asked:
"How much do you think they should spend on the NZ advertising campaign? And how much extra revenue would you expect from this in year one?"
Do you want to provide your thoughts now?
A shareprice, per se, is irrelevant. You need to look at Market Cap. The shareprice could be shifted to 10c or $1 via a share consolidation, yet the Market Cap would stay the same. In terms of 'image', maybe that's something Blis should consider. As it is, $6.5mil seems very cheap in my mind for a company with such strong IP, existing income stream (that just needs to be grown through effective marketing) and international patents over a scientifically-proven product that has such significant benefits for people's health. Now that Nestle has completed the mapping of the K12 genome and shown it to be safe, I wouldn't be surprised to see some action from them re a new application of the product.
I think the 'rebuttals' provided by emearg were on the mark. This is independent research that further strengthens the 'saleability' of our product - it combats some of the cynicism around the efficacy of probiotic products and will provide some welcome attention to the benefits of K12. As emearg pointed out, the results from the study were pretty convincing - it's this sort of research that will open doors to some big deals.
David, you also make an important point about the need to translate a solid product into sales. I'm trusting that Stratum have the skills to leverage studies such as that announced today to build sales globally.